Smith wrote in the Telegraph: "A brilliant improvised pass found Steven Gerrard in space before a shot from the edge of the box had Wojciech Szczesny scrambling before a beautifully taken header proved wonderfully decisive.

"It was an absolute joy to watch seeing his talent expressed in this way, just when his country needed it most. Poland's young holding midfielder did not know which way to turn and neither did a few others when Rooney turned it on."